A study by American Addiction Centers found that US truckers had the highest frequency of positive alcohol tests in the world. In fact, since January 2020, more than 72,000 truck drivers have been taken off the road because they failed the drug tests required by the Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse. Additionally, an alarming 91% of truckers interviewed drank alcohol, and 82.5% used amphetamines on the job. These stats are from truckers registered in states across the country.
Alcohol Use Stats
Through the first three months of 2021, there were 367 alcohol violations reported to the Clearinghouse compared to 1,185 alcohol violations throughout all of 2020. The alcohol limit is .04% for CDL truckers, meaning even a single beer can make a trucker over the limit. However, for a good reason, due to the mere size and weight of a truck, any accident will be devastating for everyone involved.
Drug Use Stats
The August 2021 Clearinghouse Monthly Report showed notable increases in all the top drug use categories, with most of the positive tests being for marijuana. The stats below report the number of positive drug tests for the first eight months of 2021 compared with a year ago.
- Marijuana: 21,438, up from 18,252
- Cocaine: 5,913, up from 5,233
- Methamphetamines: 3,526, up from 3,379
- All 14 drug panels: 39,785, up from 35,252
New York Truck Accident Lawyers
From DUI truck accidents to trucking company negligence and beyond, we have the experience and expertise to secure most cases. This is why Expertise.com named KDLM one of the 2022 Best Truck Accident Lawyers in New York City.
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All accidents are tragedies, but obtaining justice and the compensation deserved helps get your future back on track. If you or a loved one has been involved in a trucking accident, please call us at (212) 618-6800 or fill out this online form for a confidential and free consultation. We speak both Spanish and English and are ready to review your case.